Eastwood in Gran Torino

ASSI – As a fan of Clint Eastwood, I wanted to see Gran Torino based on critics claims that it is classic Eastwood, which meant there would be remnants of Dirty Harry who kicked ass and asked questions later, if any. In Gran Torino, Eastwood’s plays Walt Kowalski a War Veteran who buries his wife, patience, and tolerance for his two sons, grandchildren, and Asian neighbors. Gran Torino is a movie about the influence and pressures of a racist Hispanic (Hmong) gangs attempt to initiate a new member and the toll it has on families, but more importantly how communities are affected by gang activity. Mr. Kowalski’s refusal to standby and allow his neighborhood to be subjected to gang violence forges relationships that test his commitment to the community. The film also stars Christopher Carley as Father Janovich who is determined to keep Mrs. Kowalski’s promise to convince Mr. Kowalski to attend Mass and Confessions, Bee Vang plays Thao Van Lor who the Hmong gang tries to recruit, and was written by Kyle Eastwood and Michael Stevens. As I see it, Gran Torino is in theaters but can wait to be seen on DVD. I give Gran Torino 3 blinks.

Seven Pounds A Heavy Movie

AHSI......Will Smith has done it again. In this movie he plays Ben Thomas, an IRS agent that is torn between life and death. After a tragedy devastates him, he sets out to find out if their are any good people left in our society. Rosario Dawson plays Emily Posa and Woody Harrelson stars as Ezrah Turner Both of their characters make this story believable and also bring you through a wide range of emotions. I give this movie 4 eyeballs.

ASSI - I cannot echo AHSI's comments that Will Smith has done it again, the movie is a compelling story and Will's performance as Ben Thomas a man who is struggling with righting a tragic wrong, is convincing but not Oscar worthy. However, there is one scene in the movie that I give my hat to Will because the strength that he must of mustard to deliver that scene is inconceivable to me. I think that Woody Harrelson deserves recognition for his portrayal of Ezrah Turner, his non verbal scenes evoked more emotion than if he had expressed himself verbally. The first hour and a half of Seven Pounds are spent trying to grasp the story line. Towards the end of the movie, you will began to understand what the movie is about, and learn why Ben Thomas appears to be grappling with life. As I see it, this film is not a great movie, but one that must be seen, and worth seeing not for the acting but the story. I give Seven Pounds 3.5 blinks.

Toaster Oven a Great Alternative to Microwaves

ASSI - Our microwave started to malfunction and we decided that it would be in our best interest to replace it with a convection oven. In my efforts to find the right toaster over for us, I learned more than I wanted and needed to know about convection ovens; however, Black and Decker makes the Euro Pro which satisfies all of our needs. We have had it for about month now and thus far we haven't experienced any problems worth reporting. The instructions were followed carefully, I washed the pans and racks prior to using, and also let it burn for about 30 minutes before heating or cooking any food. We have cooked Salmon, Pizza, Chicken, and heated vegetables using the convection oven. It produces less heat than our oven, temperature range from 150 to 450 degrees, has a 60 minute timer, grills, toast, bakes, broils, warms, comes with two racks, a drip pan, a removable catcher tray, a handle to slide the trays out, and is easy to clean. The food taste better than when heated in the microwave without the electromagnetic rays. As I see it, if you've had it with microwaves and looking for an alternative to heat and warm food, give a convection oven a try, do your research to determine the right toaster oven for you. I give the Black and Decker Euro Pro Convection Oven 4 blinks

Merry Christmas To All

ASWESEEIT WISHES EVERYONE HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Ferrell and Reilly In Step Brothers

ASSI - Step Brothers starring Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly are two adult men who still live at home with their parents, Mary Steenburgen plays Ferrell's mother, and Richard Jenkins is Reilly's father. When it is revealed that they each have an adult child still living at home is the commonality that seals the romantic deal. The film is a realistic look at how grown adult men who refuse to grow up and take responsibility for themselves exhibit the same behaviours of children who are placed in similar situations. Step Brothers is a comedy that delivers funny scenes throughout the movie, Reilly and Ferrell have the right chemistry for this film, and Jenkins and Steenburgen play the typical parental roles that really works well for this movie; the director, Adam McKay does a creditable job of capturing the tumultuous relationship between Brennen (Ferrell) and Dale (Reilly), and the effect children from previous relationships can have on a current marriage if the parents are disagreeable regarding boundaries. In true fashion to sibling rivalry the brothers hate each other, a situation brings them closer, the husband blames the wife for the conduct of the children, the children blamed themselves for the breakup, and by the end everyone is happy again. As I See It, the movie is out on DVD and worth renting or buying, so when you're looking for a good life check out Step Brothers. I give Step Brothers 3.5 blinks.

Hot H2O In An Instant

ASSI - My day starts with a warm glass of water with a half of a fresh squeezed lemon. Heating the water became an issue: the microwave was convenient but the elegromagnatic raves was too much; boiling the water on the stove was a good option but without a tea kettle, it took more time, some mornings were missed, and I might have scrotched the pot once or twice. While at work, I used an electric tea kettle to warm water, and within seconds the water was boiling and from that moment on I researched electric tea kettles. After an exhaustive search, I settled on the exact same Aroma Tea Kettle at the job, it was the best available. The Aroma 1.5L X-Press Stainless Steel Water has proven to be a very wise purchase that offers the following features:

Tea, instant coffee, hot chocolate, noodles and more are easily made almost anywhere with this electric kettle; 1.5-liter capacity
Easy cordless pouring with the patented Strix electric connector, safe-grip handle and no-drip spout; ergonomically designed lid for easy opening
Automatic shutoff after boiling and boil-dry protection; on/off indicator lights; easy-to-read water level indicator
Elegant brushed stainless steel finish; wipe down exterior with damp cloth; interior wipes/boils clean; easy-to-clean removable decalcification filter
Cord storage in base provides hidden storage and adjustable cord length

As I see it, if you're looking for an alternative to warming water other than the microwave, boiling water on top of the stove using a pot, or whisteling tea pot give the Aroma electric tea kettle a try. Warm water in an instant is what I love about the Aroma Tea Kettle, I fill the pot with one liter of water, put it on the base and turn it on, and by the time I finished packing my lunch the water is hot, sometimes it is actually too hot to drink, but by the time I make it to work it is just right.

Purify Your Water

ASSI - The cost of bottled water is steadily increasing and there are reports that claim the water is straight from the tap; therefore, why are we spending a small fortune for something that we pay for monthly? I simply decided that I was no longer going to purchase any bottled water, so I invested in a Brita Aquaview Water Filtration for our faucet. According to Brita the filtration system, removes 99.99% of microbial cysts, guarantees to make your water taste better, has a LED filter change indicator and battery life light, filter life up to 100 gallons, you can actually see the particles that are removed from your tap water, and it is easy to assemble believe me if I can do you can do it. I like that it can switch between filtered and unfiltered water with three settings: Brita, Tap, and Spray. To me the water actually does taste better, we have two water pitchers in the fridge one has slice lemons, and the other is for guest who prefer their water plain. My only complaint is the washer that came with the kit had to be replaced. We had to move out our place for renovations, the contractor removed the filtration system, and somehow striped the washer preventing us from connecting it back to the faucet. While the filtration system was inoperable, I boiled water, but the other half couldn't help but purchase bottled water. He is conditioned to think that bottle water is better than boiled water, in spite of the claims made against Dasani, Poland, and Deer Park that their water is tap and not spring water. As I see it bottled water isn't worth the plastic that it comes, I really think it is in our best interested to research the right filtration system for you and your family, and purchase an aluminum water bottle that you can refill at home, and help save our planet. I give the Brita Aquaview Water Filtration System 4 blinks.

Beyonce AKA Sasha Fierce

AHSI.....Beyonce has done it again. She released two songs and videos that I will label as (Women Anthems) "If I were a boy" and "All my single ladies". With the release of these projects from her new lp Sasha Fierce. Most women from old to young love this beautiful woman and it seems as if they relate to her split personality. I am impressed with her soft side on disc 1, showcasing her slow songs while on disc 2, she shows us her street/wild side, showing off her rap skills on Diva. I give Beyonce's new album 3.5 eyeballs and I think that it would make a great gift for the Christmas office party or any Beyonce fan.


ASSI - Mathew Knowles is marketing wiz when it comes to ensuring his daughters, especially Beyonce has the record sells to garner her a Platinum artist. Beyonce released a double CD introducing the world to her alter ego Sasha Fierce with 5 up-beat/high tempo dance songs and 5 ballads that are performed by Beyonce qualifying "I Am" as double album, which will help her to achieve platinum record sales faster. I read, in Essence Magazine that Beyonce is hoping that she can achieve Iconic statuse with this album...I don't think so, it is a poor effort for someone as talented at Beyonce who is known for writing good material; however, none of the ten songs are good but will do well because of her popularity and marketing. According to the rumor mill, Jay-Z and B are starting their record label; therefore, I am unsure if the double album was released by their label or Columbia Records. Regardless I am sure Mathew Knowles is the master mind behind the marketing strategies for this project. As I see it save your money, you are better off down loading for free, making a copy from a die hard Beyonce fan who purchased the album on the day it was released, or listening to the songs on the radio. I give "I Am" two blinks.

Ice Cube Delivers Longshots

ASSI - The actual life experience of Jasmine Plummer who became the first female to lead her Pop Warner football team to the tournament in 56 years. Jasmine played by Keke Palmer was the quarterback and only 11 years-of-age when her uncle played by Ice Cube introduced her to football in the film "The Longshots". Fred Durst, yes Limp Bizkit, does a creditable job of directing this movie that is ideal selection for family night. It is entertaining complete with drama, comedy, and sports that both the girls and boys are sure to enjoy. A pleasant surprise, I really enjoyed "The Longshots," and please with acting by the entire cast. Keke Palmer is a good actress, I have been a fan of Ice Cubes work since "Boyz N The Hood", a big fan to Tasha Smith who plays Jasmine's mother, and had a good laugh at the characters played by comedians Earthquake and Michael Colyar. It is truly a pleasure to see veteran actor Garrett Morris appear in straight to video and mainstream films, especially since his illness. As I see it "The Longshots" is a movie that was well written, acted, and directed and truly worth seeing. I give it 3.5 blinks.

The Russian Art Gallery

Cars with Noticeable GPS Systems are Targets

ASSI - If you own a GPS System do not leave it or signs of having one in the car, we had a rental with out-of-state tags, the holder for the GPS System, and the charger was in the vehicle, and someone broke the window on the passenger side because they thought the GPS System was in the car. Only two cars in the neighborhood were targeted and both had evidence that a GPS System might be in the car. Our neighbor actually had their GPS stolen and luckily for us we removed the GPS System but because the holder and charger were visible the person who broke our windows went after the GPS System only. Therefore, during these difficult times when folks are looking to take advantage of your carelessness always be mindful that someone is looking to take advantage of your negligence, so please take the time to protect yourself and your possessions. It is not worth the time or the expense of replacing a window.

Tina Turner Live at the Verizon Center

ASSI - Tina live is one concert that I have always wanted to see; however, the tickets are expensive if you want a decent seat, but when I learned she was going on tour one last time the decision was made to have an experience of a lifetime regardless of the price, and what an experience it was. It was extremely disappointing when I was unable to secure tickets for the first show, I was at a training trying to purchase tickets using my iphone, the seats were selected, and the only thing left was to purchase the tickets. I placed the iphone on my lap to retrieve my credit card when the connection was lost, and by the time the training was over the tickets were sold out.

Another show was added and this time nothing was going to prevent me from purchasing tickets. What a show! Tina is a class act, she has truly learned that you hire the best people to ensure you will have a show that is absolutely wonderful, she look good, sound good, and gave an outstanding performance. Everything was top notch from the sound to the musicians, the saxophone player was great, and I pleasantly surprised to see Lisa Fisher who is the former back up singer for the late Luther Vandross and the Rolling Stones, she sang one song while Tina did a wardrobe change. There were Ninja guys who performed during one of her costume changes and the dancers also did dance routine during one of the changes. As previously stated Tina hired the best in the business to go on the road with her and when you are legendary it is imperative that you give your fans what their paying for a show well worth their hard earned money.

The concert was well thought out and put together from the moment she stepped on stage until she said thank you and good night. As I see it if you have an opportunity to see Tina Turner in concert you must take advantage and go even if you have to go alone seeing Tina is worth the money honey. The only thing that I disliked was the floor seats never again will I purchase floor seats unless they are within the first five rows from the stage otherwise the view is obstructed and not worth it.

Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter

TRENDnet's TEW-424UB 802.11g Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter brings together the convenience of USB 2.0 and the high speed of 802.11g, allowing you to easily connect to 802.11g networks at speeds of up to 54Mbps. The USB 2.0 interface facilitates a hassle-free Plug-and-Play installation, and 128-bit WEP Encryption provides robust network security. Offering seamless AP-to-AP roaming, auto-installation for Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP, and auto-negotiation, the TEW-424UB is a feature-rich yet convenient way to go wireless.

AHSI....I give this product 4 eyeballs. I was impressed with the price and how easy it was to set up on my laptop. It comes with an installation disc and it makes any computer or laptop wireless in minutes.

Danger in Bangkok

ASSI – Nicolas Cage plays an assassin in the movie Bangkok Dangerous that is a remake of the Pang Brothers’ film with the same name debuted in 1999. Cage’s production company, Saturn Films purchased the remake rights and production began August 2006 in Bangkok. In the original film that Hit-Man is a deaf-mute but for marketability purposes the Pangs give Cage speaking parts and transform another character into the deaf-mute. The film “Bangkok Dangerous” will be available on DVD, January 2009. It is a fast paced film that captured and held my attention. The foreshadowing caused me to stay attentive. Cage is an unattached man, who is methodical and lives by four basic rules until he travels to Bangkok where he diverts from his usual order of business. “Bangkok Dangerous” was the number one movie when it was released on, September 5, 2008, but one of the lowest-grossing films to reach number one. As I see it, if you like questionable characters with a penchant for murder, you will like “Bangkok Dangerous” it is high energy film with enough excitement to hold your attention. I give “Bangkok Dangerous” 3.5 blinks.

Moving or Storing with a POD

ASSI - Storage made easy with the delivery of a POD that can be reserved on-line or over the phone. We are renovating our unit to rid it of hazardous lead; therefore, we had to move all of our belongings out. What an arduous task but the POD help ease the pain. No truck and storage place to rent. PODS delivered a 16ft portable storage POD on the specified date, we designated a location on the street in front of our building, purchased a permit from our local Department of Transportation to place the POD on the street, and scheduled a date for the POD to be picked up. As I see it, if and when you need to store items or if your moving a POD is the most convenient way of transporting items from one location to another, and the POD is stored in a climate controlled storage facility. I give PODS 3.5 blinks

Twice Daily Facial Cleanser

ASSI – In an effort to find a facial cleanser that my face is pleased with has been an arduous task, a search I will continue until I find the right cleanser and moisturizer for my skin type. Currently I am using Jason Fragrance Free Twice Daily Facial Cleanser that has the consistency of lotion, which concerned me, I am still look at the bottle to ensure it does not say facial moisture rise. It is lighter, foam free, and a little goes a long way. My face looks good, feels fresh, and I am hopeful that it is actually clean. Facial cleansers that lather make me feel like I am getting a deep cleansing. My local Whole Foods store was out of the Facial Moisturize; therefore, I am unable to report on it. The facial cleanser sales for $7.20 and I was told the moisturizer is the same price.

According to Sprig.com:
This gentle cleanser sweeps away makeup, dirt and oil without stripping skin of its natural oils. It's great for anyone with sensitive skin, or those who are just aiming to avoid fragranced-products.

Sprigs also make the following claim:
Jason's fragrance-free products are sulfate, paraben, and phthalate-free and are never tested on animals. They're also made with plenty of botanical extracts. As I see it without make-up to remove it seems to be doing the job; however, I wonder if it will remove all the make-up in one wash. I really feel like am applying lotion all over my face and rinsing it off. I give Jason Fragrance Fee Twice Daily Facial Moisturizer 3 blinks.

Obama Becomes The Nation's First Black President

Congratulations To Barack Obama.....The 44th President Of the United States Of America..............................

Trick or Treat

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

HAVE A HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tasteless Peanut Butter

ASSI - Peanut Butter is a highly beneficial food for people with Blood Type "A." I generally purchase Jif or Skippy; however, I thought it would be good to try Smart Balance Omega peanut butter that contains no Trans Fat and Flax Oil an added benefit. I love peanut butter I can eat it for lunch and dinner, but has strayed away from it because I thought it was fattening until I learn it is actually good for me. As soon as I unpacked the groceries an put everything away, I set down and opened the peanut butter, the first thing I noticed was all the oil on top, so I tried best I could to stir the oil into the peanut butter, and then I put a spoon full in my mouth. It was terribly disgusting. My first thought was to spit it out, I decided to give it a chance by taking another chance, I swirled the spoon around the jar to work in the oil, and spoonful, and pulled out my spoon filled with peanut butter. I managed to eat all the peanut butter but could not deal with the taste. The jar remained closed for a month. Today I tried eating it again and just cannot deal with the lack of taste. Maybe when spread on bread with jelly or on a craker it might taste better, but alone it is down right taste like vomit. As I see it if you like peanut butter for the nutritional benefit or just because you like the taste do not recommend trying Smart Balance Omega unless you are uninterested in good tasting peanut butter. I give Smart Balance Omega peanut butter 1 blink.